Redline has been elbowing its way to the front of the line since the release of the 2010 Camaro SS (also getting its hands on a 2012 Camaro ZL1 and a 2014 Corvette Stingray), so it should come as no surprise that the crew got their hands on a 2014 Camaro Z/28 and is the first to strap it down to a dyno. The customer has expressed some interest in some sort of performance package, so the Camaro Z/28 dyno test could serve as a baseline for further modification. For those crying foul at the idea of modifying a very low production, highly collectible car – well, you aren’t the only one. Howard Tanner of Redline says that most likely its Z/28 packages will be along the lines of a camshaft upgrade with long-tube headers and a custom calibration, so as not to ruin the soul of the car and keep with the heritage of its predecessors like Baldwin-Motion. Redline has been involved with many dealership programs like this including the recreation of Baldwin-Motion Camaros for the fifth-gen platform. So they know a thing or two about building collectible cars that will still command a pretty penny on the auction block.

As a quick reminder, the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is packing a naturally aspirated 427 cubic-inch LS7 with specially designed Tri-Y headers, 2.75-inch exhaust, and a cold air intake that uses a K&N air filter. According to the SAE tests, however, the LS7 produces 505hp at 6100rpm and 481 lb-ft of torque (at 4800rpm) like the Corvette Z06’s version. In fact, the internals of the engine are identical to the Z06, including the dry sump lubrication system. According to Tanner, the 455-rwhp and 420 lb-ft of torque the 2014 Camaro Z/28 made on Redline’s Land & Sea DYNOmite chassis dyno is on par with stock C6 Z06’s. Though it might be giving up just a few horsepower to a difference in drivetrain efficiency. He also added that previous dyno testing of Redline’s HTR Camaro packages that transplanted stock LS7 crate engines in the 2010-2011 Camaro SS showed the dry sump oiling, Tri-Y headers, and intake of the Z/28 were doing their job. With a stock LS3 intake and exhaust, the LS7 crate engine would make around 420-422 horsepower in the HTR Camaro, according to Tanner. He then speculated that the 505hp rating might be on the conservative side.

One thing is for certain; the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is one wicked ride. The horsepower wars are alive and well.